BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE SOCIAL REINTEGRATION OF ELDERLY CITIZENS IN CHINA

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, due to innovations in medicine, transformed medical procedures, and drastic changes in lifestyle, the average lifespan has increased compared to that of previous generations. In the Asian context, China has been no exception. Its high percentage of elderly citizens is largely attributed to its one-child policy, and the country currently has more than 250 million elderly citizens, whose living conditions are deteriorating.

World-class healthcare facilities, entertainment, and financial security are not enough to ensure a fulfilling life for senior citizens. They need social connections — to bond with others and remain part of society. Yet the rapid digitization of society has excluded older adults from active social participation. Older adults are not comfortable using technology to meet their daily needs. Something as routine as paying taxes online or video calling their grandchildren leaves them excluded from an increasingly digital world. This gap represents a clear opportunity for services tailored to their needs.

This brief outlines the problem landscape, draws on evidence from comparable economies, and proposes strategic recommendations for policy interventions and service models that can bridge the digital divide for the elderly population in China.